A NEWLY-REFURBISHED visitor centre at Portland Bill Lighthouse is ready to open its doors this weekend.

The new attraction occupies the ground floor of the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages.

Visitors will have the chance to explore the history of Portland Bill Lighthouse and learn about the lives of lighthouse keepers.

The project was taken on by Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales and the Channel Islands.

The refurbishment was made possible thanks to an £80,000 grant from the Trinity House Maritime Charity, which seeks to educate mariners and the general public about the importance of safe navigation at sea.

Trinity House has included a number of artefacts from its collection in the visitor centre, as well as interactive displays.

Steve Dunning, planning and performance manager at Trinity House, said: “What we have got here is your archetypal lighthouse. It looks like a lighthouse should look.

“We felt there was a story to tell and that there was an interest in it.

“We have got a few artefacts around the place. It’s not a museum, though. We cater for all. It’s a balance of everything.”

A visit to the centre can be completed by ascending the 153 steps to the top of the lighthouse, taking in the panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast.

Whilst smaller children may have to sit out this part of the experience, they can keep themselves occupied and entertained in the visitor centre’s kids’ corner.

Mr Dunning said: “We think it’s important to provide something for everybody. Unfortunately, not everybody can get up the tower.

“There’s a height restriction. They’ve got to be at least 1.1m tall.

“It’s a working lighthouse and there are health and safety rules.

“We are quite keen to get school groups in here. We have some educational packs for key stage one and key stage two.”

A number of lighthouses have exhibited a light from Portland since 1716. The present lighthouse dates from 1906 and was manned until 1996.

The visitor centre will be managed on a daily basis by husband and wife Nigel and Ann Hopkins. Nigel said the couple were both looking forward to their new roles.

He said: “We live here. We are local. We have an association with the lighthouse.

“My wife and I actually abseiled down it on its 100th birthday.”

The visitor centre will be open to visitors from Sunday, March 29.